Martins Ferry has built up a reputation over the years.
Like most communities in the Ohio Valley, that reputation consists of both positive and negative aspects, the greater of which likely depends on who you ask and where they reside.
There are a few that stick out though.
One, the town and its residents are resilient. They have overcome the closure of a major business once already this century and it’s currently battling its way through another.
There is also a strong sense of community. You need only look at the home stands of Purple Rider Stadium on an autumn Friday night to see that.
But that community bond is more than rallying round its football team.
Martins Ferry residents take care of their own.
The Youth Center at Grace Church and the Re Thread clothing store are shining examples of the citizens of Martins Ferry looking out for one another.
Looking after the Youth
The youth center official formed earlier this summer and has blossomed into a facility that serves upwards of 70 kids.
It’s a place for the kids to come and relax, shoot a round of pool, play some games, and even get help with homework.
The kids are also fed, free of charge, on a daily basis.
“We have businesses donate; Zonitini’s will donate pizza, the Tolbert’s have donated money and food and toys. It’s just phenomenal how it’s been received,” said John Davis, the new mayor for the city of Martins Ferry and longtime member of Grace Church. “It’s a lot bigger than what I thought it would be.”
Davies, who runs the center along with a number of volunteers, added it has a great relationship with the police and fire departments and the emergency squad.
“We want the kids to get to where they don’t look at the adults as bad people,” Davies said. “They can come in, tell us their problems, and we’ll sit and listen. We don’t judge. We want to give them a safe place to go.”
Last month the center hosted a Christmas party and meal for the kids.
While not all the kids attending the center are underprivileged, those that are were also treated to Christmas presents purchased by the members of Grace Presbyterian Church.
“Not all the kids we have come through are needy; some just like to hang out. But the ones that are, we turned their names into the church, and they went out and bought presents for them,” Davies said. “And the kids got to sit down and have turkey and ham and eat a nice meal.”
Some of the children are challenged academically and rewarded for their hard work. The student with the best report card for the nine weeks will receive a $25 gift certificate and best attendance for the year will earn a free pool pass for the summer.
Davies admitted it’s one of the most rewarding undertakings he’s taken part in. The mayor also purchased the former Mackey Community Center, along with the former Daily Bread Center on the corner of Walnut and S. 5th streets and is renovating the building.
The youth center may end up moving to allow for more space, but Davies also noted that its present location is centrally located in town.
Filling the Clothing Void
Martins Ferry used to be home to a Goodwill, but when it closed its doors, it left a void for affordable clothing in the city.
“A lot of our customers are people that don’t have transportation so they are locked into Martins Ferry,” Davies said of the Re Thread Clothing Store. “They were missing out on the needs of clothing themselves and their children. We are filling that need.
“The great people of Martins Ferry donated so many clothes when we first opened,” he continued. “And they continue to do so.”
Davies noted that when the facility opened in September 2019, it received 2,000 pounds in donated clothes the first week.
“We had to stop taking clothes as we didn’t have any place to put them,” he said.
The clothes are free and no questions are asked. Davies noted that customers are limited to 10 items per week. There is a sign-in sheet that helps ensure that no one takes advantage of the system.
So far, it’s working.
“It’s worked well,” Davies said. “The youth center kids can come down, too, and we let them get whatever they need. All around, it’s been a great concept and response.
“There have been a lot of high-end clothes donated, and even some suits. If you have a job interview, or a court appearance, for example, come down and get a suit and represent yourself.”
Representing itself is actually what the citizens of Martins Ferry have been doing recently.
“We’re trying to get the community back to caring about the community,” Davies said. “It seemed like it lost its way for a few decades and everyone was busy with themselves.”
It’s apparent that’s no longer the case.
